Easy Driver

Written by Smith Jones    Monday, 18 February 2008

Americans driving in Europe usually prefer the same type of car they drive at home---one with automatic transmission and, for hot weather, air-conditioning. But in Europe, stick shifts are the rule. Though rental agencies do have automatics, they cost more per week than comparable stick shifts. Also, roll down the windows and forget about air-conditioning---it’s found in just a few expensive, luxury models. In our survey, the cheapest weekly rates for automatics range from $212 in West Germany to $778 in Finland, while the cheapest stick-shift rental for these countries are $114 and $448.   Save Ahead. How to get the best deal? If you want a car for a week or more, arrange a weekly-rate rental before you go. Don’t wait until you land at the airport. You’ll end up paying a high daily rate plus mileage, which can easily be double the cost of a prearranged rental. The cheapest weekly rates usually have restrictions. You may have to reserve days or weeks in advance. A month is ideal, but you can do it in less time if you’re willing to pay for the air-express charges to receive the necessary prepayment vouchers from the rental company. And you are usually required to return the car to the same office (or at least the same country) where you rented it. As in the States, “one-way” drop offs often cost more.   Other Restrictions. Some companies demand payment in advance; Others let you pay at the end of the rental period. Tour operators generally require prepayment.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 23 February 2008 )